Top 12 Day Trips From Manhattan, New York - Updated 2024

day trips from manhattan
Elah Angelica
Elah Angelica 
Updated
| 5 min read

Dubbed the city that never sleeps, New York is a spectacular destination for all travelers looking for a pleasant time with city lights as their background. Featuring five boroughs, New York’s Manhattan is one stunning district that promises an adventure of a lifetime. From a warm stay at the Big Apple to seeing the Empire State Building, there’s so much to do and experience in Manhattan. Times Square is one charming place you shouldn’t miss. While the city is notorious for being expensive, you can still find budget places to stay as there are plenty of accommodation options. Meanwhile, famous hotels await those looking to splurge for a holiday. Although Manhattan is one complete package already, don’t miss out on venturing further out. There are a lot of destinations from Manhattan where you can easily go. For recommendations, check out our top day trips from Manhattan, New York.

1. Beacon, NY (from USD 63.0)

day trips from manhattan | beacon, ny
Source: www.viator.com

Embark on a delectable food tour in Beacon and discover a culinary haven brimming with flavors. Indulge in a mouthwatering journey as you sample diverse local cuisines, from farm-to-table delights to international flavors. Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Main Street, where charming cafes, artisanal bakeries, and trendy restaurants await. Taste the freshest ingredients from local farms and savor dishes crafted with passion and creativity. Engage with passionate chefs and food artisans, learning about their craft and the stories behind their creations.

From gourmet treats to street food delights, this food tour is a compelling exploration of Beacon’s gastronomic treasures. Allow your taste buds to guide you through a culinary adventure that celebrates this charming Hudson Valley town’s vibrant flavors and culinary artistry.

Visited this place?

Food Tour of Beacon in the Hudson Valley

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

2 reviews

2. Sleepy Hollow, NY

Sleepy hollow cemetery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim Logan - User:... used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Step into the enchanting world of Sleepy Hollow, where history and folklore come alive, if you intend to plan a tour near Manhattan. You can explore the hallowed grounds that inspired Washington Irving’s famous tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Immerse yourself in the town’s rich heritage as you stroll along the picturesque streets with charming colonial-era homes. The historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of Irving himself and other notable figures, is an excellent site to visit to feel the whispers of the past.

Also, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Hudson River or hop on a boat tour to admire the breathtaking views.

Visited this place?

3. Cold Spring, NY

Cold Spring Harbor Fire House Museum (Front End)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DanTD used under CC BY-SA 4.0

An hour away from Manhattan Cold Spring is a charming village in the quaint town of Philipstown in Putnam County, New York. Perfect for a quick day trip from Manhattan, this destination promises visitors a day full of fun and adventure. From local art museums and cute little cafes to fine dining restaurants and the best nightlife, staying for one day is enough to experience all of its thrills.

If you’re up for some adventure, you can always indulge in a scenic hike at Little Stony Point. Everything about this village is magical, so if you want to experience something that feels like out of a fairytale book, Cold Spring is the place to be.

Visited this place?

4. Bear Mountain

near Peekskill, NY
Source: Photo by user bazusa used under CC BY 2.0

Do you need a fascinating adventure? Are you looking for a place where an adventure is a daily occurrence? Look no further, from Manhattan you can easily hop to the next drive, toward the famous Bear Mountain of New York. Known for its long and risky hiking trails, Bear Mountains welcome travelers looking for ventures to spice up their lives. If you’re visiting only for a day, make sure to take advantage of everything this pleasant place has to offer, including art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants with the best dishes.

Visited this place?

5. Hudson, NY

Warren Street west view, Hudson, NY
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Case used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated along the west border of Columbia County in New York, Hudson is home to spectacular architectures. It’s a charming and stunning enclave, fronting the iconic Hudson River. It’s an incredible oasis amidst the chaos of everyday life in New York. In case you need a break from it, you can always jump to the next station to Hudson for some countryside exploit. There are a lot of things you can do while in Hudson, even just for a day trip. From stylish hotels and chic boutiques, food and drink stalls, antique shops, and contemporary galleries to classic music and cultural ventures, there’s so much for you in Hudson.

Visited this place?

6. Warwick Valley

Bellvale, NY - Warwick Valley Panorama
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zeete used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Known for its annual Applefest, Black Dirt feast, and Summer Arts Festival, Warwick is the home to majestic valleys in New York. If by chance, you’re already in Manhattan, one of the best trips from there is to Warwick Valley, where you can enjoy a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Some of the fun activities during the day to indulge in, are enjoying a scenic hike to the valleys, visiting the famous Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, and enjoying a seasonal apple picking while you are there. It will be an opportunity missed without trying the town’s tasty apple pies, so make sure to grab a bite for a heavenly taste.

Visited this place?

7. Philadelphia, PA (from USD 179.0)

Whether it is the history you are after or a chance to escape from your mediocre days on the buzzing streets of the city, a getaway to Philadephia in Pennsylvania is always a wondrous place to retreat. To fully experience this stunning city, joining a guided tour might interest you. From a hassle-free traveling skipping from one tourist attraction in the city to another, exploration gets a whole lot easier and enjoyable. Some of the iconic sites you’ll get to witness are the Liberty Bell and historic museum spots. Apart from that, you’ll get to experience the Amish life on an Amish horse-and-buggy ride in scenic Lancaster.

Visited this place?

Philadelphia and Amish Country Tour Day Trip from NYC

Duration: 11 to 13 hours

569 reviews

8. Fire Island

Fire Island Pines Shot 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Shankbone used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Composing of protected pristine white sandy beaches, Fire Island is a barrier island in the Southern part of Long Island in New York. Because of its beauty and charm, it’s no wonder that travelers who visited the place still wants to come back for a repeat of one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a day, Fire Island will surely give you something to remember. The tranquil atmosphere, ocean breeze, and charming cafes are some of the advantages of visiting Fire Island. If you want to find out more about this stunning island, the only way is to visit.

Visited this place?

9. Delaware River

Central Railroad of New Jersey, Delaware River Bridge - looking south
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zeete used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the major rivers on the Atlantic coast of the United States, Delaware River is one big part of the history and culture of the country. Aside from it being one of the few remaining large free-flowing rivers, Delaware River has so much to offer visitors. From enjoying kayaking to diving on the refreshing water, there’s so much for you to enjoy. If you’re fond of fishing, this is the place to go. There’s more- scenic drives with the sun setting on the horizon is an experience that travelers like you shouldn’t miss.

Visited this place?

10. Shawangunk Mountains

Shawangunk Ridge Bear Hill Preserve autumn
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Juliancolton used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Also known as Shawangunk Ridge, Shawangunk Mountains is a bedrock in the three counties of the state of New York stretching from the northernmost part of New Jersey to the stunning Catskill Mountains. Travelers from different cities make it their priority to drop by this amazing place whenever they’re in New York. Hikers and adventure enthusiasts always prefer the Gunks, for it’s the epitome of majestic beauty and elegance. What makes Shawangunk Mountains perfect aside from its thrilling hiking trails is its dramatic landscapes, featuring white cliffs and ledges, pristine mountain lakes, lush oak forest, and pitch pines.

Visited this place?

11. Washington DC (from USD 145.0)

One of the beautiful destinations you need to visit from Manhattan is Washington DC. Apart from its known sites, including the famous White House, The Capitol, and Supreme Court, there is so much to experience and places to explore within the city. If you’re a history addict or someone who appreciates good art when you see one, Washington has the right venues for you to visit. Some of the historic places to visit are Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On the other hand, if you’re after an excellent shopping experience, the National Mall is the place to go.

Visited this place?

Washington DC Day Tour from New York City

Duration: 14 hours

764 reviews

12. Long Island (from USD 159.0)

Don’t miss out on joining a day trip to the coastal land of Long Island. Promising you an adventure filled with visits to vineyards and white sand beaches, you will surely have an eventful day. It’s the perfect destination for all travelers looking for time under the sun. To fully enjoy everything the place has to offer, consider joining a day trip tour around the scenic Long Island featuring a wine tour, wine tasting, and dining local food.

Aside from that, a number of outdoor activities await you as it is also a great destination for a hiking day trip from Manhattan, New York. Whether it’s a break from the Big Apple or a venture for wine exploits, Long Island is always a spectacular choice.

Visited this place?

New York City to Long Island: Food and Wine Full Day Tour

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

24 reviews

Find out why New York is the city that never sleeps

Once you decide to take a leap of faith and see what this stunning destination has in store, you’ll know the reason behind New York’s sleepless nights. Whether it’s your dream you are chasing or an adventure you are after, you can never go wrong with starting in Manhattan and exploring further out. In case you need an itinerary around New York City, check out our list above for fascinating day trips from Manhattan.

Frequently asked questions about the top day trips from Manhattan, New York


  • Which day trip destinations can be reached by a car from Manhattan?

    Make the most out of your tour around Manhattan by enjoying short but scenic drives when you include these exciting nearby destinations in your itinerary: i) Cold Spring, ii) Bear Mountain, iii) Delaware River, and iv) Beacon.

  • Which locations are ideal for a day trip from Manhattan in winter?

    Spice up the winter season with these day trip destinations from Manhattan: i) New Jersey, where Hamilton Township’s Winter Wonderland festival is held and American Dream Mall features an incredible indoor ski and snowboard hill, ii) Cold Spring, which hosts a winter farmers market for a splendid holiday shopping, and iii) Philadelphia, where amazing festivities are held during December.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Elah Angelica Casallos, a Psychology student, aspires to explore the world in the future. Currently, she immerses herself in writing to discover and share the world around her. In addition to her...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Manhattan
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.